[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

-----------------------------------

Terra (and whoever else is there) hears the door to Nathan's room unlock after the sobbing stopped again for several minutes.

And then it slowly opens, and Gallade peeks out from behind it.  He nods to Terra and Raphael (if Raphael is indeed there after Shiva said he could go try and help) and whoever else, and lets them in.

Nathan's sitting on his bed, legs drawn in to his chest, his pokedex sitting next to him.  His face looks a little red, making it even more obvious that he was the source of the sobbing.  He's set his fedora off to the side, his hair looking a little messy.

He doesn't comment at first, but when Raphael flies over, he does give the angelic bird a hug.  A faint, "...thank you for coming..." can be heard.

When Gallade eventually unlocks the door, they would have found Terra leaned up against the wall outside of Nathan's room, arms crossed, head hung low, and still as a stone. Hearing Nathan crying himself raw over what his boss had said.....it hit him hard too, reminding him of the times he was most vulnerable and hurt before Shiranui came into his life and changed it for the better. Due to that and his other formative experiences in his early life, one of his most closely held beliefs was helping those that were truly in need, whether that be directly solving their problems or just being the catalyst or pillar that assisted them in doing the solving themselves. 

So be unable to do anything for the longest time for what was arguably his closest friend, who's woes he was partially to blame for in the first place by not vetting the message before he warned everyone about it and then showed it (He wasn't aware the message had deleted itself, as Nathan running off sorta distracted him from that detail....) , made him feel like a total useless heel. Oinari - who'd been quiet throughout this emotional crisis, still hanging on Terra's shoulder- was brooding along with her leader, as even an infant like her knew that something troubled the nice young man something fierce, and couldn't help but feel bad for both them and Terra. She didn't know what was wrong, per say, but she understood well enough that it and who/what caused it was not very good....

The sagely monk was quick to look over to the Psychic Knight, though, his gaze dour but calm, and when they got the okay to come in he did some promptly, nodding back to them before silently sliding his way into the room. It didn't take long for him to find his friend and discover thestate he was in, the sight of which craved a frown in his stony, solemn face. He paused as Raphael flew over to the boy, letting the archangel comfort them uninterrupted for a good minute or so, before he made his way over until he was standing right by them, and then gently seated himself to their side. 

Terra didn't say or do anything, at first, just looking at the so very smart and currently miserable boy....

...Until he stuck a hand in one of his pockets to pull out a small brush, and began to quietly combed Nathan's hair back into its usual style, doing so with remarkable deftness, given how clumsy handed he usually was. Perhaps such skill came from managing his own curly mane of hair? Regardless, he took his time doing so, being methodical in making sure his friend's hair was fully stylized and back in pristine condition.

Next, put away his brush, picked up their fedora, and carefully placed it on Nathan's head in such a way to best accentuate their looks and bring out their flair, looking over the results, and nodding in seeming satisfaction.

Then, and only then, does he reach over to their side and hug them too. Firmly, but not too tightly. 

"No need for thanks. We are here, for you."

Oinari decided to join in with Raphael's own efforts to assuage the young intellectual's feelings, at first hesitant, before she hopped down and over to one of his hands, wiggling her head until it was underneath it and started to rub against it it, softly making what she hoped was soothing growls.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Zigzagoon finds this a fair trade. Leftovers are basically garbage, after all.

"I've heard rumors that two other Pokemon similar to my own have been spotted in Creshire of late ; ) Her name is DUNSERAPH. Like Milotic, her size gives her a definite edge in battle."

"The only Pokemon I'm currently breeding are Zigzagoon. I normally don't sell them, and people normally wouldn't buy them anyway. Don't worry about the mess, it's designed to come back together easily. Zigzagoon will help. Bye now!"

Let me offer some brief snippets on his last scene with Tanuki and the group on Day 77, before I move on to the next day:

- Terra's happy that the Zigzagoon are pleased with his offering, and gives the ones that are brave enough to venture close to him some head pats in gratitude that everything is just swell between them.
- Given that my chara. is not the most Insightful, I'll say that he completely misses what she's alluding too and just nods back, somewhat confused but content with the answer he's been given. Maybe one day he'll see that Pokemon she's talking about, and learn even more about it....
- The sagely monk is understanding of Tanuki's reasoning for not selling Zigzagoon, and respectfully leaves the task of cleaning up her Gym to her and her Ziggy squad, wishing good fortune and battles in the days to come as he depart. If she doesn't want help, then he won't give it, but at least he can give a proper good bye!
- As I stated a little while back, Terra heads straight back to Elanor after his Gym Battle and soon head to bed, only delaying that to search for Shiva to give Helios back to her and thank the lass for lending them in the first place. Tis only the polite thing to do!
- I think he would be present during Gallade's PUMPED! scene, so after a moment's pause he mirrors their enthusiasm by pumping an arm and nodding solemnly and resolutely nodding back to the psychic knight and the rest of the group. He's readying and willing to help and protect them in every step of their journey, no matter the destination, and no matter the circumstance. He will be the guardian of his friend, and he will not fail in his duties.

That should be it, so onward to the next day!

Spoiler

Aside from that Onix thing, it is now Day 78.

Though the day is overcast and threatens rain, everyone is outdoors in a brightly-lit scene. Why? Because the Comet is clearly visible in the morning sky, twinkling like a devil's gaze. As it passes through the outer extremities of the atmosphere, it changes color to a hazy purple, giving a violet cast to Creshire below. It seems quite clear now, according to the news, that the comet will strike somewhere in the Elanor Plains.

And the permit has arrived in each of your inboxes, along with two Steel Balls and two Super Potions for each of you.  Nurse Joy can print that out, but she doesn't make eye contact as she hands it over.

Spoiler

That bright light is probably the reason why Shiva awoke and got up so uncharacteristically early; while she's adamant on not showing it obviously on the outside, she's pretty scared by the ominous Comet getting closer and closer. This is boosted by the news she checks among the daily morning horoscope.

She's quick to finish her business before meeting up with the others, which basically are:

As agreed with Spira/@Mikaruge108 last night, Shiva will stay by his side whenever possible, not that close though to violate any of their personal comfort zone or arise weird looks. She doesn't want to make it look like she is glued to him, but she does want to silently show him that she's there and can be counted on if needed.

As per his usual standards, Terra arose early in the morn, rising out of bed and walking over to his room's window to greet The Millennium Comet's baleful violet light with complete and utter grave severity. Closer and closer, the heaven's envoy inches its way towards Cheshire. This time, it was not bringing the unfulfilled wishes of the populous of these fair lands he finds himself in. Nor was it going to bring about a transformative event that was going to radically change everything, and bring forth a new paradigm for all.

No, this time it was bringing something. A beyond ancient entity, whose's goals, motivations, and machinations are just as alien as they are. A veritable scourge whose shape was undefined and yet absolute, who would sweep across the land and conquer it, subjecting, altering, and ruling it as it pleased. A being who's Strength and unique qualities had become Legend, who's name would be remember by all and feared and/or revered by many.

Deoxys.

It was coming to Cheshire. It was going to change things for everyone and thing, no doubt for the worse. And nothing could stop it.

Nothing, except for his friends.

To do that, they had to venture into the most dreaded and feared places in all of the region, who's own legends, history, and inhabitants have become synonymous with unfettered horror, disaster, and death itself. They had to delve into the very depths of The Skull Ruins, and find the Four Sacred Weapons that were crucial in defeating and/or repelling Deoxys. The future of Cheshire hinged on their success, and failure would doom the land and its people to an uncertain but dire fate. Further compounding the matter were the Scimitars, who's own plans and grudges towards the group would no doubt interfere in their own quest, and the unknown and out of control Legend that Ven had told him about in what seemed like ages ago.

Everything seemed bleak. His group's quest seemed impossible to accomplish in the face of their opposition, or at the very least the odds were heavily stacked against them. Such a unreasonable burden was being placed on his friend's shoulders, and they couldn't just pass it along to someone else. Only they could do it and use the Weapons to fight off Deoxys. 

And yet, everyone seemed determined to see their mission through to the end. To success. Almost to the point of everyone being optimistic about the outcome, or just so thoroughly adamant that it makes no difference.

The mountain of a man looks down at his hands for a moment, before clenching them tightly and returning his gazes back to The Comet, now calmly and stoically staring at it with a sense of peace about him. 

No matter the threats his friends face, no matter how insurmountable the challenges in their path, and no matter what happens, he will be there with them. Protecting them, empowering them, and supporting them in every way conceivable. He would do any and everything for them. For Nathan, Shiva, Heart, and Spira, the wonderful and amazing people he had the good fortune to meet and befriend. Nothing would stop him from doing what was needed to be done to protect and help his friend. He would give everything for them to see them safe and sound. 

Even his life.

Such was his conviction in his duty.....and how much he cherished everyone.

"......It is time. Time......for the most dangerous part of journey. I will not let it end in failure, or their deaths. Promise."

With that vow spoken, Terra turns away from the window, and got ready for this day and many yet to come. His pace, once like the Torterra he caught, was now swift and sure, like a Speed Boosted Sharpedo. Raising Terra's DEX to 3 for 20 XP, which is then boosted to 4 by his DEX Badge pair! The steely brawler is no longer slow, but he's still just as steady.

------

Eventually, Terra would arrive in the lobby, a little after Shiva and Spira got together to converse whatever topic that caught their interest (Which he politely did not listen into, but he none the less waved to both), and was currently browsing his PC with Oinari on his shoulder, his eyebrows scrunched together as he tried to decide which Pokemon he should bring along. The dark dear was gazing curiously at the screen with him, and every so often nudged him to get his attention and explain something in her own foxy way, to which he tried his very best to. She was also feed a marshmallow every now and then, to which she happily nomed on with a cute little smile, as what little kid didn't like sweets?

(Alright, this is where anyone can approach Terra and ask him to do whatever now! Let the plot continue!)

Shortly after the group meeting concerning what Pokemon each member was going to bring was concluded, or when they are about to set off on their quest (whichever is more acceptable) Terra's Pokedex suddenly started to loudly chime like crazy in a synth like tone that had the man immediately yank it out of his pocket with an expression fit to be chiseled to check it, only pausing long enough to explain what the heck was up with it to everyone.

"Emergency message. From Ven."

That should catch everyone's but Spira's attention.

It turned out that the message was in fact a recorded video, simply labeled 'May Fortune Be With You' , with an equally succient message along with it: 'Play this video for the whole group ASAP. Please. - Ven.'

Terra slowly looks up at from his 'Dex at everyone, told them about it, and quietly looked at them.

".....Ready to play video, when you all are."

.....

Spoiler

*blink blink*

"...what?"

...Nathan hadn't been expecting to hear anything from Ventus.  He knew that Ventus had still been experiencing the lurches too, of course, but...he thought that Ventus wasn't going to be involving himself in any of this if he could avoid it.

...that's why he left the group, after all.  Well, the main reason why...

...Nathan doesn't have much more to say than what he already has.  He's nervously waiting for Terra to play the video.

...Ventus wouldn't be contacting them at all if he didn't think it was important...

Spoiler

Shiva happens to be startled by that sudden ring of Terra's 'Dex and his hastiness to check out what's the matter and ends up glancing to him in worry. But when it's revealed that the sender is VENTUS out of all people, any startle and nasty suprise is blown away in almost an instant and being replaced with excitement, pleasant suprise and frantic fuss. And nonono, Shiva refuses to leave Spira's side, so she'll (gently) drag him with her unless he himself fights back heavily.

"From him?! Terra, he... he probably saw that Comet, he's wishing us good luck, he's - ARRGGGHHH!" *wild and erratic hand gestures* "Please lemme see it, lemme hear his voice, please playplayplay it already, yes? (>o<) " She'll also instinctively summon Raphael to see what's been recorded as well, whispering to the benelovent archangel from whom this record comes from.

Spoiler

The only reaction to 'Ven' from Spira is a puzzled expression;
"Dunno who this 'Ven' guy is, but the message seems urgent, so go ahead and play it."

(Seeing as everyone but Heart has reacted to the message so far and I've time to brainstorm, its time for the message to play.)

With everyone permission granted or waiting in anticipation, Terra gave a single nod of his head and hit 'play' on the video, motioning for everyone to get by him to watch it.

At its start, their was a brief burst of static that sounded like a shreaded Chimeco's Roar, before it transitioned to a black screen for a few seconds. For the especially Insightful/Alert, they would have noticed one particular frame of footage before then: A orange bar that bisected the screen vertically, with bold black text reading 'X CLASS ENCRYPTION IMPLEMENTED.'

Then, Ventus appeared. He was sitting in a plush chair at what looked to be a mostly cleared desk, with various office supplies stacked on top of it but not important looking files or projects laying about. His appearance was different, but only fashionably speaking. He was still wearing one of his much beloved green tweed sweeters, but over it was a big white lab-coat that almost seemed to shallow him whole. His vibrant orange hair was neatly trimmed, with only a few locks of it drapped across his forehead, and he was wearing a pair of square lense glasses, beneath them was green eyes that stared at the group with kindness and sincerity. Deep with them and only noticable to the most Insightful would catch, were feeling of fear, anxiety, guilt, and......resignation. 

The researcher was silent for a moment, as if to give the group time to gather around and/or take in his altered appearance, before he warmly smiled and bowed his head to everyone.

"Greeting and salutation, everyone. Normally, I would say its good to see you all again, but...."

His smile turns apologetic.

".....Well, we're not exactly engaging in communication and direct discourse, now are we? This is but only a video playback message, carrying naught but what I wish to tell you and nothing more, leaving you no room or option to speak back to me. I've elected to convey my sentiment this way for a variety of reasons, some pretaining to security and privacy issues, but mainly because....."

At this point, the eccentric scientist's smile turns......sad and pained, and his eyes crinkle ever so slightly as he lets out a small *Sigh*.

".....I'm still not quite ready to speak with any of you at length. I'm still.....recuperating from our adventures together, despite them seeming  to happen yonder ages ago. That, and I've been quite busy with my research, work, and.....other matter, all of which I'm afraid I can't discuss. My research is still in the developmental stage and is highly confidental, and relaying it you across a Pokedex message does not seem to be the wisest course of action, no? It would certainly cause an Uproar if the wrong ears heard of it."

Ventus lets out a small chuckle, before continuing much the same as he did before.

"But I digress. So, I've decided sending a recorded message for you all was the best course of action. Simple, safe, and it would give me the ability to.....compose myself."

His smile turns apologetic and even more pained once more.

"I hope you can forgive me for this, my friends. Especially you, Shiva. I know you have longed to speak with me at length for quite some time, but.....I'm still not ready for that. Too busy with my work, and......too busy sorting out and dealing with my own issues. I'm sorry, dear."

The sociologist takes a few seconds to take a deep breath, and let it out, before he was back to all chipper smiles for everyone.

"Moving on from that, it is time for me to move on to the main purpose and bulk of this missive to you all: wishing you well and good fortune on your trip into the Skull Ruins, and to offer you some advice. Hopefully before you've all headed out to that accursed place, much less delve into its twisted and god forshaken depths, but if not......well, better late than never, I suppose."

He pauses for a moment, perhaps to give everyone a chance to react to the fact he knew what they were about to do, and who knew what else, before he continued, his smile turning a bit playful and amused.

"If any of you are surprised that I know about your upcoming trip, that is to be expected, and I'll do the courtesy of explain how. Terra's been sending me updates and general information about your adventures ever since he's joined, as a part of the job I contracted him for. I've also been keeping an eye on you myself using other means, which I won't bother you with the details. They're not important, or so I hope."

Ven's smile shrinks down as speaks, until it's only barely there.

"Suffice to say, I know almost everything that's you've been through. Your journey thus far since my departure, the event therein both big and small, and other miscellaneous details. Including about Spira, the hitchhiker that had somehow got caught up in.....everything. Though it may not mean much to you, I none the less offer my sincere apologies and condolences  to you, good sir. You shouldn't have gotten caught up in the ongoing mess that the very fates seemed to conspire to ensnare, entangle, and entrap my friends, and make them dance and weave to its demented tune, least they get swept away."

The researcher's tone and expression briefly turned caustic as he alluded to the chaos that seemed to plagued his companions, before it instantly smoothed back out int a simple smile.

"After your adventure with my friends are over, I'll endeavor to find a way to.....restore your former status and situation, if that is what you wish. If not, or I am unable to, then I'll see that you'll be well set up and provided for to continue your own ambitions and aspirations as they stand now. Its the least I can do for you, so think nothing of it."

He takes a long moment to pause for thought, face now carefully blank, before he continues, smiling again.

"As I said earlier, I want to wish you all the best for your upcoming journey into The Skull Ruins. Reshirim knows that place is one of the prime example of 'hell on earth', and that anyone needs all the grace and good fortunes if they are to enter the please, let alone explore it. Given my own forays into Relic Castle, The Abyssal Ruins, to a lesser extent Celestial Tower, and my own very brief excursion into that place, I am also extremely well acquainted with the dangers and perils associated with such places. So with that being said......"

For a second, Ventus hesitates, before his expression falters entirely, revealing what he's hidden for so long: fear and worry. Desperate fear and worry.

"Please.....please be safe. Take every precaution, resources, whatever it takes to maximize your odds of survival, no matter duplicitous, wretched, or dishonorable they may be. Do anything required to keep yourselves alive and well down in the Skull Ruins, for such a den of horrors will do everything it can to lead you to beyond ruin and claim your immortal souls. If any of you are even the slightest bit unsure you can survive the rigors of The Skull Ruins, then don't dare to go within it, or it will pick you apart at your weaknesses and eat you alive. I don't care if you are the only ones that can save the region. It's not worth it if doing so costs you your lives! In the grand scheme of things, that is the most important thing ever, period!"

"If you have any doubts and decide not to go, contact me immediately. I have plans that would see me out of Cheshire in the event of disaster, and I can readily include you all in them, including your families and loved ones! Despite what you've been told or lead to believe, you don't have to do this. You alone determine your fate, and no one else but those you allow! I escaped the turbulant and interesting times that once harried my own life many times, and If I could manage that, then you all can easily too!!"

Ventus abruptly stops himself from speaking, looking more shaken and harried from what he just said, before he took several deep breaths, and gradually regained his composure, his expression now almost painfully neutral. It was clear that he was still agitated, but the eccentric scientist seemed to have a tighter grip on himself now.

"......Please excuse my outburst. It was.....excessive. But everything in still holds true. Do what it takes to succeed and survive in the Skull Ruins. If you can't, or do not desire to risk your lives, then don't go. Don't let other's judgments and opinions hinder your own decisions. Not even my own. All I offered is my best wishes, advice, and options. Nothing more, nothing less."

...

"....Lastly, if any of you do head into there, and there comes a time were the stakes seem dire and uncertain......don't sacrifice yourselves for your cause. Not unless you are absolutely sure its necessary, and you would have no regrets doing so. For you can take back many things, but not a life. And nothing is more devastating than a senseless sacrifice. As I said before, but bears repeating: do what it takes to succeed and survive. Please."

Ventus went silent as he stared, his viridian eyes seeming to pierce through the 'Dex's screen and into everyone. Then, he smiled. It was tired, haunted, but genuine.

"Somehow, though, despite my misgivings and reservations......I believe you all will be alright. That you'll survive the perils ahead, and become heroes once more. Hopefully well renowned ones, for all the life harrowing and altering adversity you've faced and will be facing. You'll certainly such acclaim, in my humble opinion."

"And.....I believe that is everything. Everything, but farewells."

"Farewell Heart, my fellow collector of strange and wondrous Pokemon. May your bravery and boldness guide you and everyone's way, and your on the Nosepass sense of humor keep spirits bright and blazing."

"Farewell Spira, my.....well, let's call you a future friend. May your expertise and prowess with Ghosts neutralize the threat of the fell spirits that everyone will encounter, and you surefire outlook become reality for all.

"Farewll Terra, my most faithful and dutiful charge. May your immense strength and fortitude act as both sword and shield for the group, and your unrelenting resolve to keep everyone well and safe be unbending, unbreakable, and eternal."

"Farewell Nate, my most vitriolic friend, if we can say our relationship is still that. May your intelligence and wisdom craft the plans that will lead to nothing but victory, and your stubborn determination allow nothing but the very best outcomes. Gallade, make sure you continue to be a good guardian and brother to our mutual friend, and try to moderate his excessive spirit. I know he means well by it, but too much can spoil just about anything, no? "

"Farewell Shiva, my lovely savior. May your kindness be a shield for you and everyone else, and your compassion keep the group firm and strong. Raphael, my child, if you are with her and everyone else or will hear this message......then continue be the all loving, benevolent, and supportive archangel I know you are. Spread cheer and blessing to all that deserve it, and banish those in the darkness that would seek to snuff that warmth out."

"Farewell, my friends. May you all be triumphant in your quest, may you all live so we can celebrate your grand accomplishment, and may Reshirim, Zekrom, and Kyurem be with you all, every step of the way. I wish I could off you more than just words, but they are all I have. I hope they are enough."

Ventus gives everyone one last smile, one of his most radiant, optimistic, and encouraging......

And the video cuts to black, ending. Soon after, it also deletes itself with a gentle *Ping*.

.....

...the entire time the video is playing, Nathan's tense.

He wants to say something but...he knows it's just a recording.  Even if he did...

...once it's over, Nathan remains quiet for a solid minute as he just stares at where the message from Ventus was playing just moments ago...

...before saying one thing with a very, very shaky sounding voice.

"...I...I need a minute..."

...and then just like that, he's run off to his room, faster than anyone else can immediately react to.  The sole exception is Gallade, his stalwart and generally stoic best friend, who quickly goes after Nathan.

...though not before casting a glance behind him at the rest of the party.  There's definitely a little worry in that glance...not an alarming amount, but...some.

Gallade doesn't wait to see if anyone is following, though.  He needs to be by Nathan's side.  Now.

...and just like that, Nathan and Gallade have left the room.  Whether anyone follows him or not is up to you guys.

Terra (and anyone else who follows) finds that the door is shut and locked.

Sobbing can definitely be heard from the other side of the door, though.

Eventually, there's a pause in the sobbing though.  It gets a lot quieter...

------------------------------------

...and that's because Nathan's making a phone call.

...it's all just a bit too much for Nathan.  He has to get what he has to say off his chest.

...he's calling Ventus.  He's expecting for it to go to voicemail, but regardless of whether it does, the message is the same.

"....Ven...?  It's Nate...I...I know you don't really want to talk right now, but...I...I have to say something, and...I might not have another chance to say it, so...I...I'm sorry...it's just...hard to see someone you care about...*sniff*...I just..."

He pauses there, uncertain if he should say what he has on his mind.

He decides not to.  He's not sure it will help, so he moves on.

"...well...anyways...*sniff*...I have to do this.  Maybe you already know, but...the Ruins were where my dad was last seen.  He was looking for the same things we are, too.  I...I have to look for him and...*sniff*...reunite my family...and...*sniff*...finish what he started...and...this is my home.  My family's home.  The future home of those I promised to protect, to build a good future for.  Maybe...maybe I'll tell you a bit more about that later, though...*sniff*..."

Another pause as Nathan tries to compose himself.

"...I'm sorry that I...can't say I can put my life above anyone else's right now...that...that's just not me, to be honest...you know me...heh...*sniff*...always caring about everyone else so much without thinking about how it may affect me...I can promise I'll try to come back safe, though...bring everyone back safe and sound, too...you are right that we can't save anyone if we're...that every life is precious...that everyone has so much more that they want to do in their lifetimes...*sniff*...how long ago did I say that to you again?  How many times?  I've lost count, to be honest...*sniff*...I guess that's one more for the tally, though..."

He pauses once more as he tries to recompose himself.

"...so...I just wanted to say again that...I'm sorry...for both what I can't promise now and...*sniff*...what happened before...thank you for the support anyways, though...*sniff*...it...it means the world to me, you know.  And everyone else, I'm sure...well, maybe not Spira, but...*sniff*...you stay safe too, okay?  I'd like you to be there to watch me battle Bo, the region's Champion...if I can get that far...yeah, I've got 6 badges now...I could go battle the Elite Four if I wanted...I plan to get the last two before I attempt that, but...soon.  Okay?  Let's all get through this, and...and..."

Another pause.

"...I'm sorry...I'm just...rambling on as usual again...I think I've said enough...I don't even know if any of this is going to help, and I'm just spouting word after word anyways...you're one of the brightest shining stars I've ever had the chance to know personally, Ven...I hope I can get to see that light again after this is all over...I don't want this to be goodbye...you'll always be a friend to me and Gallade..."

If Ventus picked up, maybe he has something to say in response, maybe not.  If not and it went to voicemail...well, this is where the message ends.  Nathan isn't expecting Ventus will want to call back...

*click*

...Ventus's words...some of which echoed Nathan's own...hit the 17 year old quite hard emotionally...

----------------------------------------------------

Terra (and whoever else followed) can once again hear sobbing through the door to his room soon afterwards.

Original Post
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(...) "Farewell Shiva, my lovely savior. May your kindness be a shield for you and everyone else, and your compassion keep the group firm and strong. Raphael, my child, if you are with her and everyone else or will hear this message......then continue be the all loving, benevolent, and supportive archangel I know you are. Spread cheer and blessing to all that deserve it, and banish those in the darkness that would seek to snuff that warmth out." (...)

(@Iron, can I leave a reaction from Raphael to that to you? I mentioned that Shiva would summon him to watch that video as well in a previous post.)


Shiva was having a relatively easy time spotting that curious orange bar at the very beginning, given she was glued to the screen and knew all too well that Ven had an almost paranoid desire to make sure that not a single piece of sensitive data lands within the wrong hands. It was nothing she held against the empathic sociologist, quite the opposite actually: It never hurts to be extra-safe!

As he finally appeared on-screen, her heart was skipping two beats at once. She just managed to hold back a delighted squeal and had to take a few moments to handle that MASSIVE wave of warm and pleasant feelings that engulfed her mercilessly as his sight, it's been way waaaay too long since she saw her significant other. He still looked as beautiful like he usually did, and everytime Ventus casted a smile to them, she involuntarily rememberd why she eventually fell for him; and how lucky she was that despite his worries and complexes, he eventually embraced his own feelings for her.

His apology of not yet being ready to speak in person with her in particular was accepted, her gut feelings told her that the wait was absolutely worth it and she herself promised to give him as much time as needed.

As he semi-playfully and with soft-obvious amusement mentioned 'other means to keep any eye himself on them', Shiva unintentionally blushed and stared as Ventus with an 'Eh'-expression, she (neither me) want to know the details and how much NSFW content may have been recorded by these ....'means'.

Oh, and when Ventus, Reshiram may bless his benelovence, offered his help to Spira in restoring what he called 'his former status and situation', Shiva almost immediately hugged his right arm and gave him subtle corgi eyes to express that she doesn't want senpai to just leave and go back to comfy 1925 just because.



In short, every single word the empathic and frantic Pokemon Sociologist speaks is making its direct way into Shiva's heart and mind where it's stored, processed and archived, some of the points he spoke up are certain to haunt her for quite a while and provide enough to think about during silent times.

Like the one of the request to contact Ventus if being doubt- and fearful about visiting the Ruins to enable a safe transport away and into a secure zone. Upon hearing that, Shiva INDEED pondered his offer, it'd be so easy to throw everything away last-minute and continue a more calm life somewherelse. But, and that she realized with disgust over herself, would only proof undenyable that she has learnt nothing at all and prefered to stay a coward instead of taking the chance to become a hero.



As the video eventually ends, Shiva ends up YANKING the Pokedex out of Terra's hand with suprising speed and force before he can pack it away and before he himself storms of to follow Nathan. (Please let that happen @Lord Windos). Yes, she can easily pick up that Nathan's in a fuss, but right now she has to sort her own things out first. That, and she and Nathan never were that close unfortunately if she's being very honest, she's uncertain whether her aid would help at all. Means, I'm sorry, but Shiva does not follow Nathan and Gallade.

Instead, she ends up yelling at the screen of Terra's 'Dex. "Ventus, you.... you FOOOOOL !! WHY in Kyurem's icy-cold name are you saying 'farewell' when this ISN'T farewell, when you yourself and personally PROMISED me that we'll see one another again, that you'll be waiting for me when the adventure is over, that you'll be ready then to fully embrace me and my liking for all magical and arcane that you hate and fear so much? WHY?! This is not 'goodbye', by no means. I...." She needs to take a deep breath for another emotional outburst, "...I will come back from these ominous ruins, I will come back alive, in one piece, one of these ancient Artifacts in my bare hands and a ton of loot including a glorious Whimsicottite in my stuff, and I will unmistakably SHOW that Deoxys within that Comet that I'm NONE to mess with. YOU HEAR? This region will rejoice, celebrate its victory and salvation, and among those ceremonies I will stand and shine. UNDERSTOOD? I HOPE you did because I will not repeat myself."

Then, she intends to give the 'Dex back to Terra, but she ends up looking around searching for him and upon realizing he's not there, she just shrugs it off and packs the device away to return it later.

Now with these words being spoken and despite she's certain they didn't reach Ven (or maybe they did thanks to these 'other means'), Shiva's feeling much better now. Whimsicott just stares at her from her usual place, while Yena very carefully licks over the hands of his pack leader as if to offer his personal comfort to her. She herself will pour herself another cup of coffee and add the ordinairy sinful amount of sugar into it before sipping on it in order to restore her usual coy, calm and cute self.

Gym Leader Howl vs Heart Round 5

Rock Smash 1
(5)(1)(4)(1)(1)(4) (6)(5)
(2)(6)(3)(5) Weavile takes 4 dmg and faints!

"There we go! I need to figure out a counter to those HM moves... Well, congratulations. I'll Revive Honedge (half HP) in place of your winnings. You deserve this Hornblende Badge, which will make your Pokemon a little more canny. Good luck with your thing."

20XP!

Edit: You also get a Brandy.



We all set to go?

Here's what Terra does, following his Steely instincts:

He carves out an Onix-sized trench, cutting it to the approximate shape of a Steelix. He's never seen a Delta-Steelix so this is all instinct.

Charizard creates a blast furnace to smelt all the iron into the trench, where it pools in the bottom. It's certainly not enough metal to craft a Steelix from scratch, but the evolutionary energy will do the rest!

Onix flies into the trench as Terra pokes it into place with a stick, copying the shape of a Metal Coat. He gives it a burst of Earthpower, surging from the metal in his blood and his equipment, down through the stick, and into the waiting iron.

Onix sinks deeper into the earth, glowing and glowing! Spikes begin forming, especially along the back of the head, forming a crest. Broad wings like those of a stealth jet now stud every few segments. The light fades away and the iron ore is all gone, replaced with steely body fixtures on Delta-Steelix! The clay crumbles away, keeping Steelix's form for just a second before becoming dust. Delta-Steelix takes to the sky, now a little faster, a little longer, and a lot longer! +3 HP.

He instantly learns the Fang moves, and gains potential access to Autotomize, but most of the move substitutions are already in place from Delta-Onix.

*sniff*

Nathan just stares at his pokedex for a good minute or so after Ventus hangs up.

Was it everything he wanted to hear?  No, not by a long shot.  Some of it was even the exact opposite.

...was it what he needed to hear?  Quite possibly.

...

...he might only be talking to his 'dex now, but Nathan can't help but say, "...you don't give yourself enough credit, you know...always the pessimist among us...Cynthia gave you Raphael for a reason...you did nothing wrong with how you treated Silverfish...if there was anything you did right, it was that..."

*sniff*

"...I'll just have to prove there's still hope after all, I guess...I have to find out what happened to my dad...for my family's sake...and the region's...maybe that'll be enough to show that there's still some light at the end of your path too..."

*sniff*

Gallade's been standing at the door the entire time, silently observing, waiting to intervene if and when it becomes necessary...

-----------------------------------

Terra (and whoever else is there) hears the door to Nathan's room unlock after the sobbing stopped again for several minutes.

And then it slowly opens, and Gallade peeks out from behind it.  He nods to Terra and Raphael (if Raphael is indeed there after Shiva said he could go try and help) and whoever else, and lets them in.

Nathan's sitting on his bed, legs drawn in to his chest, his pokedex sitting next to him.  His face looks a little red, making it even more obvious that he was the source of the sobbing.  He's set his fedora off to the side, his hair looking a little messy.

He doesn't comment at first, but when Raphael flies over, he does give the angelic bird a hug.  A faint, "...thank you for coming..." can be heard.

Spoiler

-----------------------------------

Terra (and whoever else is there) hears the door to Nathan's room unlock after the sobbing stopped again for several minutes.

And then it slowly opens, and Gallade peeks out from behind it.  He nods to Terra and Raphael (if Raphael is indeed there after Shiva said he could go try and help) and whoever else, and lets them in.

Nathan's sitting on his bed, legs drawn in to his chest, his pokedex sitting next to him.  His face looks a little red, making it even more obvious that he was the source of the sobbing.  He's set his fedora off to the side, his hair looking a little messy.

He doesn't comment at first, but when Raphael flies over, he does give the angelic bird a hug.  A faint, "...thank you for coming..." can be heard.

When Gallade eventually unlocks the door, they would have found Terra leaned up against the wall outside of Nathan's room, arms crossed, head hung low, and still as a stone. Hearing Nathan crying himself raw over what his boss had said.....it hit him hard too, reminding him of the times he was most vulnerable and hurt before Shiranui came into his life and changed it for the better. Due to that and his other formative experiences in his early life, one of his most closely held beliefs was helping those that were truly in need, whether that be directly solving their problems or just being the catalyst or pillar that assisted them in doing the solving themselves. 

So be unable to do anything for the longest time for what was arguably his closest friend, who's woes he was partially to blame for in the first place by not vetting the message before he warned everyone about it and then showed it (He wasn't aware the message had deleted itself, as Nathan running off sorta distracted him from that detail....) , made him feel like a total useless heel. Oinari - who'd been quiet throughout this emotional crisis, still hanging on Terra's shoulder- was brooding along with her leader, as even an infant like her knew that something troubled the nice young man something fierce, and couldn't help but feel bad for both them and Terra. She didn't know what was wrong, per say, but she understood well enough that it and who/what caused it was not very good....

The sagely monk was quick to look over to the Psychic Knight, though, his gaze dour but calm, and when they got the okay to come in he did some promptly, nodding back to them before silently sliding his way into the room. It didn't take long for him to find his friend and discover thestate he was in, the sight of which craved a frown in his stony, solemn face. He paused as Raphael flew over to the boy, letting the archangel comfort them uninterrupted for a good minute or so, before he made his way over until he was standing right by them, and then gently seated himself to their side. 

Terra didn't say or do anything, at first, just looking at the so very smart and currently miserable boy....

...Until he stuck a hand in one of his pockets to pull out a small brush, and began to quietly combed Nathan's hair back into its usual style, doing so with remarkable deftness, given how clumsy handed he usually was. Perhaps such skill came from managing his own curly mane of hair? Regardless, he took his time doing so, being methodical in making sure his friend's hair was fully stylized and back in pristine condition.

Next, put away his brush, picked up their fedora, and carefully placed it on Nathan's head in such a way to best accentuate their looks and bring out their flair, looking over the results, and nodding in seeming satisfaction.

Then, and only then, does he reach over to their side and hug them too. Firmly, but not too tightly. 

"No need for thanks. We are here, for you."

Oinari decided to join in with Raphael's own efforts to assuage the young intellectual's feelings, at first hesitant, before she hopped down and over to one of his hands, wiggling her head until it was underneath it and started to rub against it it, softly making what she hoped was soothing growls.

So many events to react! I will try to summarize one by one as best I can:

1 - Heart greet Terra and try to have a quick conversation with him. "Hey Terra how are you? I...wanted to ask something. Could you help me evolve D-Onix to his final form? I have enough Iron Ore I find to evolve him. Please?" And the follow is the evolution sequence Iron did.

2 - About the message, Heart jolt in his place. "A message from Ventus? Its been...almost eons since we talk with him. Please roll the video."

3 - When the video play, Heart was not able to hold the tears, but this time tears of happiness to at least hear the voice of his friend. He also receive the message of Ventus, but Heart was determined to save this region. Not because he is a hero, but because its the right thing to do.

4 - When Nathan storm the room, Heart follow with Terra behind him. When they approach the room, they see Nathan...sobbing and also sad. They get in the room. Rose was with him, feeling too the sadness of his Master friend. He was there, looking to the scene, not knowing what to do or say. He look to Gallade, almost asking him what to do. He then enter the room, trying to find words and sitting in the same place, close to Terra and Nathan. When Terra say we are here for you, I say to they: "All of us are here." Then he sit on a chair. He was looking to both of them trying to find the best words. But falling miserable.

5 - About Quetzel new evolution, Heart say a huge cry of happiness, when see his new evolution (Please do a Delta Steelix picture @PhantomUnderYourDesk, pretty please....). He approach both Nathan and Terra and gave the two man a friend hug! "Thank you! Thank you my friends! This act of friendship shall not be forgotten!" Then Heart release both of them, but...he look ashame to Terra. "Terra...I know I was a terrible friend to you...please, forgive me for my previous faults to you. I was stupid, and a bad friend. I hope someday you can forgive me and we can be friends once more..."

6 - Heart takes a moment to have another thing to discuss with Terra. "Terra, I notice you have talent to raise hight disobedience Pokemon so I have something special for ya my friend. A Overgrown Rhyhorn that I have capture when we do our Time Travel Sheganigans. He know a lot of strong moves, but you might have problems with him. But knowing you well, I know you can do it. I was thinking in trade him or sell for a good price back in a time ago, but then I remember you could make a more spetacular job. What you think?"

7 - When Heart have a few problems in choose a Pokemon to carry with him Heart offer his help. "My friend, if you are having problems in choose a Pokemon to carry with you, I can carry for you. This is the least I owe you for my previous mistakes. You have my word, I will protect him with my own life. I swear in the name of Ark."

8 - Heart send a message to Ventus, since he need to have a conversation with him. "Hey Ven. How are mate? Its...been a while since we last talk. I...we see the video message you make. Even now, you care about us. You offer us a place to go in case anyone of us choose to not go right?" Heart stop a second and then continue the message. "There is a lot of thing I didnt tell you friend. Things I never told you. Hear me for a second." Heart then send a message, explaining the details of his life, his knight legacy, his abusive father...and the death of his clan. "I cant deny Ven. I scared. Scared of my life and of my Pokemon. But...if I run away Ven, I will never able to look to myself in the mirror ever again. This is not about be a hero or something. But to protect the last family I have left: Nathan, Shiva, Spira and Terra. And also you Ventus. You guys gave me porpose, and a reason to live and for what fighting for. I not some kind of hero. I could never be. I did mistakes in my life...sins I did not tell anyone yet, not even Nathan. My own hands is dirty with blood Ventus. I have run away of danger once Ven, and that was the most grave mistake I ever did. I cant do that now. There is no one waiting for me in home...but they have. Shiva, Nathan, Spira and Terra. They have family and friends to return to. If my mistakes can be forgiven with my life, I am willing to risk my own to save them. And also you. I think thats what friends do right? I not some sort of hero, I never was. I just a bad comedian who worry of his friends. Nothing more, nothing less. See you soon Ventus. I promise that we going to back alive."


9 - PS: "I get a strong bond with Delta Onix, now he is a Delta Steelix! Here the picture of him." And Heart send a picture of Delta Steelix in his Pokezapp.

[Iron]

A moving experience! 5XP for all!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Please do a Delta Steelix picture @Phantom, pretty please....)

(I'd need much more details on how different it looks from a normal Steelix for that, haha. ^_^; )

(...) Terra hardly reacts to the mystical lass tearing his 'Dex from his hand, sparing her only the briefest glance before he does as stated before. Right now, all his concern was on his friend Nathan, not  on some piece of electronic he hardly uses in the first place. He'll get it back later, when all is said and done with the current delimea.

As for Shiva's fairly impassioned message.....no reaction from the Pokedex.......at first. It isn't until she puts it away that the words 'Voice Message Sent!' flashed across the screen. Few more minutes passed, until a single line of text appeared:

'Understood, my love. I await your glorious return with open arms, and a open heart.'

The message is not deleted like the others, so there it remains on the steely brawler's 'Dex, waiting for someone to discover it. (...)

Oh. Guess the message did reach Ventus through these 'other means' at last, yet unintentional.

But now that it did, good. Shiva likes that she managed to make the point crystal clear to Ven and continues to enjoy her sugary cup of coffee with a smug expression. (Like this, this depicts it perfectly)

She will notice Ven's small reply when she intends to give the 'Dex back to Terra, and ends up smiling warmly and happily over it. Being called 'love' also makes her blush a lot, which she immediately hides and covers from the others.  (>o<)

[Iron]

It is time at last to journey toward that fateful place, steeped in legend and haunted by more than just Ghosts! You Teleport or ride as close as you can get, to the edge of the plains, about a mile from the outermost grave to a rest stop. Beyond that, Teleporting doesn't work - in or out. Only the local Natu are capable of teleporting short distances within the Barrow Downs.

Before you can even reach the Ruins, you are spotted! There is a sound like metal-on-metal, and three robed figures (armed with metal gauntlets, naturally) come hurtling earthward like the comet itself. They pick up speed and energy as they go, but they are still barely visible, so high up are they.

Meanwhile, huge boulders are rent from their roots in the bedrock with a horrible cracking sound. They're lifted high over the heads of a dozen more figures and ready to be hurled at the trainers!

For once, there are some Pokemon with the Scimitars - two Druddigon on thick chains, held at attention by two pre-gauntlet Scimitar apprentices.


Cosh steps forward, surrounded by shimmering runes streaming from one gauntleted hand. In the other hand he holds a boulder with ease.

"Hello again. This time we meet where there are no chokepoints, no locked doors, no puzzles. Just our magic - which you can see has been greatly enhanced even since the last time we met - and you, and your pitiful Pokemon. Now we must talk."

"Can we bargain? What would it take to get you to turn back? Do you need money? Rare Pokemon? They are of little use to us individually, and you seem keen on rescuing them. Technology? Induction? Ah, but we have promised not to recruit like those fools and their Teams. Still, let us negotiate. Clearly the odds are in our favor, and our plans must not be disturbed."

The Druddigon strain at the leashes and every Scimitar pauses, spells at the ready. Even the airborne Scimitars stop midflight, cloaking themselves in power.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva's reaction to see THEM again is pretty much 'Oh heavens, not THESE guys again'. She's not intimidated by these Druddigon in the slightest, given she's used to dragonslaying with her fairies and already had the pleasure to encounter a wild one: Dangerous creatures able to cause nasty wounds with their teeth and claws, but none that are unbeatable.

But, she actually is suprised by THEM not goining into attack mode right away. She crosses her arms, takes a bold stance and stares at Cosh with narrow eyes full of hate and disgust. "You wanna talk? YOU? Hmpf. ...Even if, who would teach me to use one of these devices you're calling 'gauntlets', you ? Then no, no bargaining from my side. Sorry, I'm not sorry! I'm set on my aims and preferences." She turns away.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

It is time at last to journey toward that fateful place, steeped in legend and haunted by more than just Ghosts! You Teleport or ride as close as you can get, to the edge of the plains, about a mile from the outermost grave to a rest stop. Beyond that, Teleporting doesn't work - in or out. Only the local Natu are capable of teleporting short distances within the Barrow Downs.

Before you can even reach the Ruins, you are spotted! There is a sound like metal-on-metal, and three robed figures (armed with metal gauntlets, naturally) come hurtling earthward like the comet itself. They pick up speed and energy as they go, but they are still barely visible, so high up are they.

Meanwhile, huge boulders are rent from their roots in the bedrock with a horrible cracking sound. They're lifted high over the heads of a dozen more figures and ready to be hurled at the trainers!

For once, there are some Pokemon with the Scimitars - two Druddigon on thick chains, held at attention by two pre-gauntlet Scimitar apprentices.


Cosh steps forward, surrounded by shimmering runes streaming from one gauntleted hand. In the other hand he holds a boulder with ease.

"Hello again. This time we meet where there are no chokepoints, no locked doors, no puzzles. Just our magic - which you can see has been greatly enhanced even since the last time we met - and you, and your pitiful Pokemon. Now we must talk."

"Can we bargain? What would it take to get you to turn back? Do you need money? Rare Pokemon? They are of little use to us individually, and you seem keen on rescuing them. Technology? Induction? Ah, but we have promised not to recruit like those fools and their Teams. Still, let us negotiate. Clearly the odds are in our favor, and our plans must not be disturbed."

The Druddigon strain at the leashes and every Scimitar pauses, spells at the ready. Even the airborne Scimitars stop midflight, cloaking themselves in power.

Flashback!

Before heading to these Skull Ruins, Heart did make a change in his team before going to our destiny:

- Infernape (Black Belt)
- Doublade (Leftlovers)
- Golett (Houndoom Fang)
- D-Steelix (Everlink Armor)
- Clawitizer (Wide Lens)
- Posei (Seismitoad, still waiting Windos information) [ Mystical Water from Windos if he allow]

When they reach the point with the Scimitars appear, Heart look with hatred filled with his eyes. "Huh, finally decide to go with the talk approach isn't? I with my friend here. We not negotiate with criminals. You might have get stronger Bald..." Heart ignite his hand with flames. "...But we also have get stronger. How about you come here and see if your magic can handle my Fire bless. Your fake magic, versus my Earthpower blessed by Earthpower itself."

[Mikaruge108]

Spira's reaction to them is a smirk that would send chills down anyone's back. He scoffs; "You expect us to back down just because you bribed us?!" He laughs at the thought like its the best joke he's heard. "You should make things easier on yourself, Cosh, and give up before it's too late." Spira readies Toya's ball. "We're going to finish this now!"

[Dragonstrike]

Flashback!

Oinari putting her head near one of Nathan's hands is rewarded, as Nathan starts to pet her and scratch behind her ears.

When Heart looks to Gallade, the knight simply gestures that the collector should simply move up to the bed, follow Terra's lead.  Gallade continues to stand by the door, monitoring the situation and ensuring no unwanted company interrupts the proceedings.  He'll have tie with Nathan later.

Right now, Nathan needs his other friends more.

And as they gather around, simply being there, Nathan takes some deep breathes and takes a few minutes to calm down.

Eventually, he breaks the hugs and tries to compose himself.

"...I...I'll be okay in a sec...just...give me maybe 20 minutes or so, okay?  I need to prepare a few last things..."

...and freshen up a little so that he's at least a little more presentable.

---------------------------

During that time, Nathan summons Snivy and Emolga.  He looks them both in the eyes, his expression difficult to read...until he heavily sighs and finally gets the reveal over with.

"...well...this is it...we're going to the Skull Ruins now.  I haven't had as much time to train with you guys as I would have liked, but...I think we can do it.  We can find my dad, deal with those vines if we come across them...we're not doing it alone, and that's why I think we can do it.  You guys ready?  There won't be any going back once we're in the middle of that place.  Not until we've finished what we set out to do."

Snivy immediately nods.  He's always been ready.

Emolga nods a little more nervously.  He's never been anywhere near that place before, but he didn't have to be to know that those who don't live there avoid it like the plague.  But...he promised he'd help find Nathan's dad, so he will.  And if that means going in there..well, then it'll be quite the story to talk about when they get out, that's for sure!  That's definitely something he can look forward to.

--------------------------------

Nathan reunites with the rest of the group about 20 minutes after everyone else left his room, as he said he would.  "...alright, no time like the present...let's go.  Time to face our fears...and probably a whole lot more, too..."

Oh, how accurate that statement was going to turn out to be in hindsight...

Flashback End!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

So many events to react! I will try to summarize one by one as best I can:

1 - Heart greet Terra and try to have a quick conversation with him. "Hey Terra how are you? I...wanted to ask something. Could you help me evolve D-Onix to his final form? I have enough Iron Ore I find to evolve him. Please?" And the follow is the evolution sequence Iron did.

2 - About the message, Heart jolt in his place. "A message from Ventus? Its been...almost eons since we talk with him. Please roll the video."

3 - When the video play, Heart was not able to hold the tears, but this time tears of happiness to at least hear the voice of his friend. He also receive the message of Ventus, but Heart was determined to save this region. Not because he is a hero, but because its the right thing to do.

4 - When Nathan storm the room, Heart follow with Terra behind him. When they approach the room, they see Nathan...sobbing and also sad. They get in the room. Rose was with him, feeling too the sadness of his Master friend. He was there, looking to the scene, not knowing what to do or say. He look to Gallade, almost asking him what to do. He then enter the room, trying to find words and sitting in the same place, close to Terra and Nathan. When Terra say we are here for you, I say to they: "All of us are here." Then he sit on a chair. He was looking to both of them trying to find the best words. But falling miserable.

5 - About Quetzel new evolution, Heart say a huge cry of happiness, when see his new evolution (Please do a Delta Steelix picture @PhantomUnderYourDesk, pretty please....). He approach both Nathan and Terra and gave the two man a friend hug! "Thank you! Thank you my friends! This act of friendship shall not be forgotten!" Then Heart release both of them, but...he look ashame to Terra. "Terra...I know I was a terrible friend to you...please, forgive me for my previous faults to you. I was stupid, and a bad friend. I hope someday you can forgive me and we can be friends once more..."

6 - Heart takes a moment to have another thing to discuss with Terra. "Terra, I notice you have talent to raise hight disobedience Pokemon so I have something special for ya my friend. A Overgrown Rhyhorn that I have capture when we do our Time Travel Sheganigans. He know a lot of strong moves, but you might have problems with him. But knowing you well, I know you can do it. I was thinking in trade him or sell for a good price back in a time ago, but then I remember you could make a more spetacular job. What you think?"

7 - When Heart have a few problems in choose a Pokemon to carry with him Heart offer his help. "My friend, if you are having problems in choose a Pokemon to carry with you, I can carry for you. This is the least I owe you for my previous mistakes. You have my word, I will protect him with my own life. I swear in the name of Ark."

8 - Heart send a message to Ventus, since he need to have a conversation with him. "Hey Ven. How are mate? Its...been a while since we last talk. I...we see the video message you make. Even now, you care about us. You offer us a place to go in case anyone of us choose to not go right?" Heart stop a second and then continue the message. "There is a lot of thing I didnt tell you friend. Things I never told you. Hear me for a second." Heart then send a message, explaining the details of his life, his knight legacy, his abusive father...and the death of his clan. "I cant deny Ven. I scared. Scared of my life and of my Pokemon. But...if I run away Ven, I will never able to look to myself in the mirror ever again. This is not about be a hero or something. But to protect the last family I have left: Nathan, Shiva, Spira and Terra. And also you Ventus. You guys gave me porpose, and a reason to live and for what fighting for. I not some kind of hero. I could never be. I did mistakes in my life...sins I did not tell anyone yet, not even Nathan. My own hands is dirty with blood Ventus. I have run away of danger once Ven, and that was the most grave mistake I ever did. I cant do that now. There is no one waiting for me in home...but they have. Shiva, Nathan, Spira and Terra. They have family and friends to return to. If my mistakes can be forgiven with my life, I am willing to risk my own to save them. And also you. I think thats what friends do right? I not some sort of hero, I never was. I just a bad comedian who worry of his friends. Nothing more, nothing less. See you soon Ventus. I promise that we going to back alive."


9 - PS: "I get a strong bond with Delta Onix, now he is a Delta Steelix! Here the picture of him." And Heart send a picture of Delta Steelix in his Pokezapp.

*Flashback!*

To Heart"

1: Terra is a still slightly leery eye at Heart, but that doesn't stop him from agreeing to their request. The collector had done enough by now to prove he was not a blood thirsty villain and redeemed themselves in his eyes, and helping a Pokemon achieve Evolution was always a high honor, so he had no reason to refuse them. He didn't know how he could help, but he'll give his honest effort and try!

4: The sagely monk looks up at the pun lover as they entered, and gave them a small smile + a nods, before he re-focused his attention on Nathan. Though he doesn't say it, he's quite glad to see them join him in comforting their smart young friend in their time of crisis. Major bro points gained!

5: As per usual, hugs left Terra slightly startled and a wee bit uncomfortable, but after a few seconds he akwardly return Heart's with a half smile and a nod. Their subsequent plea for his forgiveness then made for all the more drastic change in mode, causing the mountain of a man  to regard him with another look of surprise, this time with eyebrows raised and a.....speculative gleam in his eyes. Several seconds passed like this in silence, to the point it was starting to look like Terra was not going to even deign a response, before his expression settled as he reached over to lay a hand on their shoulder, and nodded.

"Apology accepted. You have worked hard to......amend mistakes and learn from them, and proved you are still a good person, so I forgive you. Don't make same mistakes again. Please."

He then sticks his hand into a pocket, and pulls out what was unmistakably a Mega Stone of some kind, and presented it to Heart, in a stoic yet casual way.

" This is a Swampertnite. Know you had Netune, so got it in a trade.....for you. Saved it, until I thought you earned it. Now, you have. Take it, my friend."

6: To be brief, Terra readily accepts the deal, as he always wanted a chance to have a tussle with that Giga Rhydon! Before the Trade happens, though, he offers his Delta Corsola in exchange (As he well knows Heart's love of Deltas/Usual Pokemon), and pull out the Protectorizer he got from that colourful hawk Pokemon (who's name eludes him) and asks they put it on the rocky dino to Evolve it into a Rhyperior (He did his research on it!). From what he could tell, it was unlikely that Giga Rhydon could become even more Disobedient than it already was as its Evo, so why not and see if it earns him any brownie points with the upcoming stone colossus? 

(He does not let them out, btw. Terra is dense, but not stupid enough to let out such a big bad brute in the middle of a Pokemon Center)

7:Terra fixes Heart with a stare so serious it would make most men's knee quiver, until he broke it off with a solemn nod and gave them Posei. "Very well. Will hold you to your promise, Heart, so take good care of them." Oh boy...

8 & 9: No response, sadly. With the mad scientist himself, though......well, Ven is certainly surprised, touched, and bemused by his friend's message, which manage to blunt his anxiety over the fact his friends were about to put themselves through their greatest ordeal yet. Not by much, no, but enough that he could start getting back to work without nawing his finger nails off. He also files away the picture of D-Steelix, and makes a note to inquire more about its personal details after everything is said and done......hopefully. Hopefully.....

*Flashback End!*

Spoiler

It is time at last to journey toward that fateful place, steeped in legend and haunted by more than just Ghosts! You Teleport or ride as close as you can get, to the edge of the plains, about a mile from the outermost grave to a rest stop. Beyond that, Teleporting doesn't work - in or out. Only the local Natu are capable of teleporting short distances within the Barrow Downs.

Before you can even reach the Ruins, you are spotted! There is a sound like metal-on-metal, and three robed figures (armed with metal gauntlets, naturally) come hurtling earthward like the comet itself. They pick up speed and energy as they go, but they are still barely visible, so high up are they.

Meanwhile, huge boulders are rent from their roots in the bedrock with a horrible cracking sound. They're lifted high over the heads of a dozen more figures and ready to be hurled at the trainers!

For once, there are some Pokemon with the Scimitars - two Druddigon on thick chains, held at attention by two pre-gauntlet Scimitar apprentices.


Cosh steps forward, surrounded by shimmering runes streaming from one gauntleted hand. In the other hand he holds a boulder with ease.

"Hello again. This time we meet where there are no chokepoints, no locked doors, no puzzles. Just our magic - which you can see has been greatly enhanced even since the last time we met - and you, and your pitiful Pokemon. Now we must talk."

"Can we bargain? What would it take to get you to turn back? Do you need money? Rare Pokemon? They are of little use to us individually, and you seem keen on rescuing them. Technology? Induction? Ah, but we have promised not to recruit like those fools and their Teams. Still, let us negotiate. Clearly the odds are in our favor, and our plans must not be disturbed."

The Druddigon strain at the leashes and every Scimitar pauses, spells at the ready. Even the airborne Scimitars stop midflight, cloaking themselves in power.

Terra steps forward in front of the group, his bearing firm and imposing as the very mountains he oft resembles, arms crossed as he calmly meet the floating wizard leader gaze without a shred of fear in his own at his and his subordinates display, and nods.

"Hello. Never meet you before, but heard much. Most not very good.....but not all."

He uncrosses his arms and lets them rest at his side, and regards Cosh with a strange lack of hostility and abundance of patience.

"We can bargain. But not for my group to abandon mission into Skull Ruins. Need to complete it, in order to save Cheshire from the danger of.....The Comet. Just like you do, and the Scimitars."

Pausing for a second, he extends a hand towards the arcane master, palm open in invitation and acceptance.

"I have a counter offer, though: Let us work together. Fighting each other is foolish, as we are trying to accomplish same goal, only in our own ways. Would drain us and our resources, both which are needed greatly in The Skull Ruins. Being weak and not fully prepared in there......it is a death sentence for either of us. Or worse."

"If we combine our Strength, however, surviving and exploring would be much less dangerous. Could achieve our missions much quicker, and have more time to prepare for The Comet itself. At very least, we would not waste more time, energy, health, and other stuff fighting each other here and now, and save conflict for after disaster has been.....averted."

"Please, accept this deal. Because if you refuse....."

As his voice trails off, he plucks off two Pokeballs from his belt and summons Pixie and Edmundi, both of whom stare menacingly at the Scimitar collective. The ironclad sidhe in particular is down right terrifying, as no amount of her cuteness can cover up the sheer cruel vicious playfulness that lies beneath it. Beware the fae indeed!

"Then we will make you fall. Like all our other enemies that stood against us. Including your own numbers."

His tone was cold, hard, and unyielding Steel, the very same Type of his partners. So too were his eyes, now fathomless pits that seemed posed to swallow up everything in their sight. And the less said about his expression at that moment, the better.

"So what is your choice? Will you be our friend? Or our foe?"

Order: Instead of outright trying to attack the Scimitars, let's have Terra try to use Intimidation Diplomacy (With the help of his Pokemon, and of the group too if they want to pitch in) to persaude the Scimitars to either join up with the group, or at the very least just leave them to their own devices for now. If they choice to fight......well, they were warned. I don't expect this to work at all (Not without Shiva and the more Insightful people helping out with Nice Diplomacy), but unlike the rest of the group Terra isn't raring to Fight the Scims, as he's way more focused on their mission and keeping everyone safe + doesn't hold a huge enough grudge against the organization for him to not consider peace first.